Woman Claims She Was Denied a Position at TJ Maxx Due to Her Tattoos.

One lady claims she was rejected because of tattoos on her neck and face.

Californian Ash Putnam became popular on TikTok after revealing that finding a job can be difficult when you wear a tattoo.

“Impossible to find a job now!!” is the title of the video she uploaded.

Millions of people watched and commented on the video, but instead of gaining sympathy, she was cruelly trolled, with some even suggesting she “should be working in a circus”.

Putnam talked about finding a job at clothing and home goods retailer TJ Maxx in a TikTok video.

Speaking to the audience, she said, “I applied for a job at TJ Maxx a few weeks ago, but they rejected my application. They just sent me an automated email because they couldn’t get back to me.”

“She said that’s not the reason,” Putnam adds, adding that she walked into the store and asked an employee if her appearance was the reason she wasn’t hired.

Even though I don’t think it’s accurate, I’ll leave it at that.

The tattoo enthusiast, who currently earns a living through social media and Uber Eats, says she “definitely” thinks she’s been left out with her tattoos.

“TJ Maxx didn’t tell me — that’s what a lot of comments on my video say,” she said. “People on my TikTok are extremely hating that I should work in a circus or Halloween shops.”

Many people have commented that Putnam’s tattoos may be the reason he has trouble finding work.

One comment reads: “There’s tattoos… and then there’s TATTOOS.”

Another individual states, “It’s about the type of tattoo and its placement.”

“There’s a reason tattoo artists label facial tattoos as career-ending,” says a third observer.

“I love body art. I have a lot of it. Everything can be hidden for professional reasons,” someone else adds.

In an interview with IGV, Putnam says the criticism she received for her TikTok video went a long way toward her decision to stay away from customer service positions entirely.

According to her, “I don’t care at this point.” 

Putnam suggests that people “think hard about what kind of tattoo you want.” It is estimated that Putnam spent over $10,000 on his inks.

“Don’t get a face or neck tattoo if you want to work in the corporate world!” she warns.

Reddit users shared a copy of TJ Maxx’s dress code, which does not mention piercings or tattoos.

@ashxobrien

According to the Brand’s Global Code of Conduct guidelines, “employment-related decisions” should not be based on any “status protected under applicable law.”

It is still up for debate whether tattoos can affect job offers.

“The placement and content of a tattoo is important to consider as it can affect other people’s perception and first impressions of you,” careers consultant Claire Brown tells Metro.

“Often larger, more visible tattoos on the face, neck, hands and arms and tattoos with images that are more graphic, frightening or offensive in nature may not be well received.”

The situation surrounding Ash Putnam highlights the complex intersection of personal expression and professional expectations in today’s job market.

While tattoos have become more common and accepted in many industries, the visible placement of body art, particularly on the face and neck, can still pose significant barriers to employment. Despite evolving attitudes towards self-expression, some employers may still be hesitant to hire individuals whose tattoos could be perceived as unprofessional or disruptive in certain settings.

Putnam’s experience illustrates the challenges many individuals with visible tattoos face when seeking traditional employment. The harsh criticism she received online reflects the societal perception that still exists regarding body art, especially when it comes to customer-facing roles. Although Putnam expresses indifference to these comments, they are indicative of broader concerns about how tattoos can affect an individual’s opportunities in the job market.

Ultimately, Putnam’s story serves as a cautionary tale for those considering tattoos in visible areas. While she encourages self-expression and authenticity, she is also aware of the potential ramifications in a professional setting. As the workplace continues to evolve, it’s important that both job seekers and employers engage in open conversations about appearance, professionalism, and inclusivity to create an environment where individual choices can coexist with professional expectations.